India’s young opener Abhishek Sharma has etched his name in Asia Cup history. On Friday, September 26, he became the first batter to score more than 300 runs in a single T20 Asia Cup edition. His 31-ball 61 against Sri Lanka in Dubai propelled him past the previous record held by Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan.
Abhishek Sharma Breaks Rizwan’s Asia Cup Record
Sharma’s consistent run-making has been the highlight of India’s campaign in the 2025 Asia Cup. The left-hander now has 309 runs in six innings, surpassing Rizwan’s tally of 281 from the 2022 edition.
His third consecutive half-century in the Super 4 stage confirmed his dominance. He began with a blistering 74 off 39 balls in India’s win over Pakistan on September 21. He followed it with 75 from 37 deliveries against Bangladesh on September 24 before hammering 61 against Sri Lanka.
The top scorers in a single T20 Asia Cup edition now read:
- Abhishek Sharma (IND) – 309 runs – Asia Cup 2025
- Mohammad Rizwan (PAK) – 281 runs – Asia Cup 2022
- Virat Kohli (IND) – 276 runs – Asia Cup 2022
- Ibrahim Zadran (AFG) – 196 runs – Asia Cup 2022
- Babar Hayat (HKG) – 194 runs – Asia Cup 2016
With this feat, Abhishek has overtaken some of the biggest names in modern cricket, including Virat Kohli.
Match Highlights: India vs Sri Lanka
Against Sri Lanka, Abhishek began cautiously. He played out four dot balls against Nuwan Thushara before opening his account against spinner Maheesh Theekshana. Once settled, he unleashed his trademark aggression, smashing eight boundaries and two sixes.
India dominated the powerplay, reaching 71 runs despite losing Shubman Gill early. Sharma attacked Dushmantha Chameera in the fifth over with a six and two crisp fours. His calculated aggression ensured India maintained control despite captain Suryakumar Yadav’s ongoing struggles.
Abhishek fell in the ninth over, attempting to loft Charith Asalanka over the ropes. Legendary commentator Sunil Gavaskar lamented his dismissal, noting that the left-hander missed a golden chance to complete a century.
Although a T20I hundred has eluded him in this Asia Cup, Sharma’s consistency has stood out. He has scored 30-plus runs in all six innings, reinforcing his reputation as the world’s No.1 T20I batter.
A Consistent Performer for India
Over the last two years, Abhishek Sharma has transformed into India’s most reliable T20 opener. Drawing inspiration from his SunRisers Hyderabad teammate Travis Head, he plays with a fearless mindset: “bat without fear of failure.”
Since January 2024, he has scored 844 runs in 23 T20 internationals at an average of 38.26 and an extraordinary strike rate of 197.65. His tally far exceeds that of Sanju Samson, the next-best Indian batter in this period with 576 runs.
Sharma’s aggressive batting has been central to India’s revamped T20 strategy, where quick starts are prioritized over consolidation. His ability to dominate both pace and spin makes him a versatile threat in all conditions.
Future Outlook: Can He Lead India to the Title?
As India head into the final stages of the Asia Cup, Abhishek Sharma’s form will be crucial. His ability to score quickly at the top has given India an edge against rivals. If he continues this purple patch, he could well power India to another Asia Cup title.
Fans and cricket pundits believe Sharma has the temperament and technique to carry this form into the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. For now, though, he has already secured his place in history as the first player to cross 300 runs in a single T20 Asia Cup.